Kip Fulbeck

Rémy Martin Honors 3 Inspirational Individuals in Los Angeles as Mentors to the Next Generation of Multicultural Leaders

National ‘Circle of Centaurs’ Program Brings to Life the Legacy of the Centaur Chiron, the House’s Legendary Emblem, and Noble Leader

LOS ANGELES – In celebration of Rémy Martin’s “Circle of Centaurs” mentorship program, the House of Rémy Martin, along with host and renowned entrepreneur jeffstaple, will honor three esteemed Los Angeles-based mentors for their invaluable contributions to the community and their guidance to the next generation of multicultural leaders. The Circle of Centaurs event, part of the mentorship program honoring 15 inspirational individuals across the country, will take place on Tuesday, April 7th at The Courtyard at Palihouse West Hollywood.

“Through the Circle of Centaurs program, Rémy Martin brings to life the legacy of its emblem, the noble mythological Centaur Chiron, and his qualities of confidence, wisdom, courage and generosity,” said Emma Medina, Vice President of Marketing for Rémy Martin at Rémy Cointreau USA. “Like the humble and nurturing Chiron, more concerned with service to others than with personal glory, these three Los Angeles-based leaders recognized by the Circle of Centaurs have selflessly contributed to their communities across many areas. Rémy Martin is honored to recognize their achievements.”

The honorees have the opportunity to pay it forward to the next generation by identifying and mentoring an up-and-coming member of their local community. The three Los Angeles-based Centaurs and their mentees are:

Kip Fulbeck, artist, filmmaker and author best known as the creator of The Hapa Project, a traveling photographic exhibition and published book which promotes awareness of multiracial/ multiethnic individuals of Asian/Pacific Islander descent. The project gives a voice to previously ignored ethnic groups, and fosters positive identity formation and self- image in multiracial children. Kip’s mentee is Andrea Vargas, who is currently working at UC Santa Barbara to further her commitment to art, and is empowering others in their artistic endeavors by coordinating exhibitions, murals, workshops, and more.

Sonja Rasula, curator of culture, community and entrepreneurship. She is the founder of Unique USA, the largest pop-up marketplace in the country for made-in-America goods, putting money directly back into the local U.S. economy. Sonja’s mentee is Krizia Flores, a Los Angeles maker and Founder of Concrete Geometric.

Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and CEO of the Point Foundation, a non-profit that empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their potential and to make a positive impact on society. Jorge’s mentee is Eric Nakano, who is acquiring policy and management skills that will enable him to one day establish and grow his own LGBT social service organization and pioneer new methods of social service delivery.“Rémy Martin recognizes the need for this global generation to have real role models and leaders from whom they can gain inspiration,” said jeffstaple. “The Circle of Centaurs program is paving the way to bring these individuals together, giving mentors the recognition they truly deserve, and the platform to make a difference. As an individual who believes strongly in giving back, I am privileged to be a part of this program.”Rémy Martin is awarding the Los Angeles-based Centaurs – along with the 12 other honorees selected from Detroit, New York, Chicago and Houston – each a $2,500 grant, and each mentee a $1,500 grant, to be donated to a charitable organization of their choosing.

Founded in 1724, Rémy Martin is the world’s leading producer of Fine Champagne Cognac. It is because Rémy Martin Cognac is made exclusively with eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne crus, sourced from the rarest vineyards and with the greatest ageing potential, that it delivers such unique aromatic intensity. Centuries of perfecting the art of cognac making have resulted in spirits of unparalleled richness, flavor and complexity. After 38 years at the House of Rémy Martin, Pierrette Trichet passed the Cellar Masters’ legacy to Baptiste Loiseau in April 2014. For more information, visit http://us.remymartin.com.